Relative: Agent was shot out of fear

Jul. 7, 2012 08:45 PMAssociated Press

HARGILL, Texas - A father and two sons shot at a federal immigration agent parked outside their home along the Texas border last week because they were afraid someone was going to break in, a relative told a newspaper.

U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agent Kelton Harrison was shot in the back early Tuesday, when prosecutors say Pedro Alvarez and his sons, ages 18 and 16, fired at Harrison's vehicle and chased the agent as he sped away. Prosecutors say Harrison had been watching for an anticipated drug deal. His condition is improving.

Amparo Ramirez, the family matriarch, told the San Antonio Express-News that Harrison was parked on the next-door property and that no attempt was made to notify home owners of surveillance activity.

"They thought it was somebody breaking in," Ramirez said. "The ICE didn't identify itself. The kids explained what they did."

Alvarez, 41, and his 18-year-old son, Arnoldo Alvarez, are charged with assault of a federal officer and knowingly using and carrying a firearm during a violent crime. His younger son has been charged with attempted capital murder in a state court.

After being shot, Harrison drove for several miles while the three allegedly followed, continuing to fire before the agent lost control of his vehicle.